Monday, 25 March 2013

Hey lovely ladies! I hope you're all well and keeping warm?! I still can't believe there is snow on the ground as I'm typing this. When is Spring and that thing we call a sun, going to make an appearance?

Anyways, today I want to share with you my latest addition to my makeup collection. If you have seen my recent beauty wishlist, you would have seen this beaut! I have been longing to own a YSL product for a while now as they packaging is just gorgeous and I have heard so many good reviews about them.

At the beginning of the month, I had an assignment to hand in which I was really stressing about but cut a long story short, I passed it and decided to treat myself, and I knew exactly what beauty counter I was going to head to...

I visited the YSL counter in Debenhams and was amazed at the gorgeous packaging and lipsticks staring back at me. I knew I wanted to try the Volupte Sheer Candy Balms but wasn't too sure what colour. I asked the MUA for some assistance and she was very helpful. She applied a couple on my lips but in the end I decided on No. 4 Succulent Pomegranate. This shade is perfect for everyday wear and is build-able if you would like a more intense colour. It is a perfect lip colour to be applied without lip liner and keeps your lips feeling soft and hydrated. The product applies smoothly and smells amazing, just like watermelons.

I am also in love with the packaging. It looks and feelsluxurious (now theres a word!)I really like that the background colour for the YSL logo is the colour of the actual lipstick. This makes it easier to see what colour the product is without opening it.
These lipsticks retail at £23.50 but I ended up buying it for £18.50 as I had £5 to spend on my Debenhams Beauty Card! This made it even more of a treat ;).

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

I was lucky enough to win 5 nail varnishes of my choice from the lovely Gemma over at Flutter and Sparkle. They are from a brand I have never heard of before, called Jacava.

Here is a little bit of information about Jacava, taken from their website "Opulent nail polish, by JACAVA London, is the world's first '8-free' nail varnish. That's free from DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Collophane, Parabens, Phthalates and Animal Ingredients. We never test on Animals.

All JACAVA nail polish uses premium, high gloss, long-lasting and nourishing formulation helps your nails stay stronger and grow longer. Designed in London and made in the UK, JACAVA is a quintessentially British nail polish brand."

Lots of big words there but they sound good right?! I couldn't wait to test them out.

They had a range of nail varnishes to choose from but in the end I decided on (from L-R) Crimson Crush, Candy Floss, Sardinan Summer, Blackberry fool and Blueberry Muffin.
They have a long golden lid which is perfect for application and it makes it easier to hold. The brush is long and thin, again making it easier to apply. The nail varnish consistency itself is like any other nail varnish. It applies smoothly and you only need 2 coats. The one thing I did notice though is that there wasn't much of that 'typical overpowering' nail varnish smell, which was a big tick in my books! I guess that's one of those big words up there that it doesn't contain!
All of the shades had such a gorgeous glossy finish with Sardinian Summer having a slight shimmer to it.

After swatching the shades, I wish I had picked a different range of colours as they are all quite pink but hey, that's typical me picking all pinks hehe. Crimson Crush and Candy floss are quite similar in colour but candy floss is slightly redder. Sardianin Summer is a lovely bright pink with shimmer. Blackberry Fool is a gorgeous rich berry like shade which is very creamy. My favourite has to be Blueberry Muffin which is a lovely pastel bluey lilac. Perfect for the Spring/Summer and very on trend!

Sunday, 17 March 2013

Happy Birthday to my little blog! Today it turns 1! It doesn't seem that long ago since I started 'EmilyGrace' the time has just flown by.
I just want to say a big thankyou to everyone that has followed me and continued to leave such lovely comments on the posts I write. It really does mean a lot to me! Here's to another year! :)
As a little thankyou I will be holding a giveaway to celebrate one year of blogging and it will also be a joint giveaway as I have just recently hit 500 followers! Keep your eyes peeled for that.

Thursday, 14 March 2013

Rimmel Accelerator Endless Mascara | I am always on the hunt for new mascaras and this one has quickly become one of my favourite drugstore mascaras. I already have quite long eyelashes, but this makes they look that little bit longer and fuller without them looking spidery.

MUA Pro-Base Fixing Mist | I use this after I have finished applying my makeup and I find it makes my makeup last that little bit longer. I also like to use it during the day if my face is looking a bit dull and in need of a freshen up.

MUA Pro-Brow Kit | I have never been one to fill in my eyebrows but after hearing rave reviews about the MUA brow kit I thought I would pick it up, At £3, I thought I couldn't go wrong. I have to say, I really like this and I can see such a difference in my eyebrows when they have been filled in. Why didn't I fill them in sooner?

Rimmel Apocalips in Apocaliptic | Yes, I know everyone and their mother has one of these babies but I have to say I really like them. I don't tend to wear them in the day time but they are my go to lip product for a night out! The staying power is great meaning you don't have to re apply! :) Check out my full Apocalips post here.

Real Techniques Buffing Brush | I'm loving the Real Techniques brushes at the moment but this one has to be one of my favourites! This brush is perfect for applying foundation and it takes very little effort to achieve flawless looking skin.

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Varnish in Dragon Fruit | I am in love with these nail varnishes. They last ages on my nails, especially working with children as I am constantly washing my hands and they have a gorgeous glossy finish! You can read my full review here!

I have just realised, I have forgotten to add the MUA Primer! This is also a great product and a good cheap alternative for the Benefit POREfessional. Post will be up soon with more information on it as I love it ;)

Wednesday, 13 March 2013

Over the weekend, the sun decided to shine, getting me all excited for Spring and to also be able to sort out my Spring wardrobe but now as I sit here typing up this blog post, there is snow on the ground?! Seriously?

So seeing as it was sunny when I was shopping, I thought I would pick up a few spring like pieces to add into my wardrobe.

I spotted this cute floral dress for only £10! It is such a nice thin floaty material. It has an elasticated waist and ruffles around the arms.
This pastel pink blazer was another bargain at £15. It is bang on trend and will be perfect to throw over any outfit. I tried both of these items on in the changing room and they looked really nice together.

Yes, I know I am crazy buying a bikini when there is snow on the ground but I just couldn't help myself. It was only £4 for the set! I know Primark usually sell cheap bikinis but this is such a good buy for both the top and bottoms!
I asked on Twitter if anyone had tried the Hask Argon Oil from Primark for £2.50 (which is normally sitting by the tills) and quite a few people got back to me telling me that it'd great and that I should pick it up! So I did. I'm yet to try it, but will let you know how I get on.
I also picked up this cute little wooden woven heart. This was only £1.50 and thought it would look cute hanging up in my bedroom. I am planning on changing the ribbon to a different colour, to make it stand out more.

For Christmas, I received the Face Core Collection and Eye Starter Set brushes from Real Techniques and I am in love with them! I'm currently in need of a new powder brush and this one looks perfect! It looks really big and perfect for the job.
I really want to own my first ever YSL product and I have fallen in love with the lipsticks, the Candy Volupte lipsticks in fact! The Candy Volupte lipsticks are more of a tinted balm but they still look equally as gorgeous! :)
I love MAC lipsticks and seeing as I have 6 MAC empties, it's only right that I get a new one. I am unsure of which shade yet but would love to know of any recommendations you may have!

I have seen the Benefit Fine One One creme blush appearing on quite a few blogs recently and it looks lovely. I haven't tried creme blushers before but this one looks perfect for Summer, for when you just want a subtle glow. Also this can also be used on your lips so a multi-use product is always gooood.
I'm sure you have all heard about the infamous Urban Decay NAKED palette's and I have to say that I am yet to own one (any Urban Decay product in fact). I really don't know which palette to buy. They all have similar colours but still look individually gorgeous! I'm kind of swaying to the Basics palette only because it's cheapest? Any recommendations would be much appreciated :).

I currently own one Essie nail varnish in Mint Candy Apple and I really like it. I always stand and stare at the Essie stand in Boots in awe at the amazing range of colours, it's like a rainbow! Bikini So Teeny was a popular shade last year in the blogging world and I am sure it will be this year too. I'm excited to add it to my collection.
Again, this product is another I have seen floating around the blogosphere. The Origins Spot Remover Gel sounds right up my street. I don't get spots often but when I do they can be big, painful under the skin ones (mmm sounds nice!) I have heard lots of great reviews, so can't wait to try it for myself.